FEROZEPUR — The arrest of a serving Inspector of the Punjab Police Counter-Intelligence wing following the recovery of heroin and illegal weapons from him has triggered serious questions about policing, drug enforcement and the functioning of intelligence personnel in Punjab’s border districts. Former ADGP Crime, Bureau of Investigation, Punjab, Gurinder Dhillon IPS, reacted strongly to the development, describing it as a matter of serious concern that a serving Counter-Intelligence Inspector was allegedly found in possession of a commercial quantity of heroin and illegal weapons.
Dhillon said that during his tenure as IGP Crime BOI Punjab, he had raised concerns about what he described as a nexus developing through prolonged postings of Counter-Intelligence personnel, including officials up to the rank of Inspector, particularly in sensitive border areas.According to Dhillon, he had earlier conducted an inquiry into one such matter on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and submitted the findings to the DGP Punjab, which were subsequently placed before the High Court on oath.
Questions Over Long-Term Postings
Dhillon has now renewed his demand for a review of the posting pattern of Counter-Intelligence personnel in Punjab’s border districts.He has suggested that Counter-Intelligence personnel posted in the Ferozepur and Border ranges who have completed three years in the six border districts should be transferred to Armed Battalions or comparatively less sensitive postings in other districts, allowing what he described as a “cooling-off period.”The demand comes amid continuing concern over drug trafficking and illegal arms in Punjab’s border belt, where law-enforcement agencies face persistent challenges because of the region’s proximity to the international border.
Allegations About “Assisted Deliveries”
Dhillon also called for an end to what he described as “assisted deliveries” allegedly being conducted by state police personnel during drug and weapons investigations.He alleged that such practices could create opportunities for corruption and manipulation of recoveries. These are serious allegations and would require independent investigation and documentary evidence before any conclusion can be drawn.Dhillon urged the DGP Punjab and the DGP Counter-Intelligence to examine the matter and take appropriate action.
Call for Intelligence Review
He further requested that IGP Intelligence Sukhchain Singh Gill examine the conduct of Counter-Intelligence non-gazetted officers in the border districts and submit a report to the DGP Punjab regarding any similar violations.Dhillon also referred to earlier cases involving police personnel and alleged that practices associated with those cases could still be prevalent in some border districts. Such references, however, concern allegations and past cases and should be independently verified.He questioned the supervisory responsibility of senior officers, stating that the AIG Counter-Intelligence, Ferozepur, should be asked to explain how such alleged criminal activity could have occurred under the supervision of the department.
Focus on Punjab’s Six Border Districts
The former police officer also linked the issue to the broader drug crisis facing Punjab’s border belt. He argued that prolonged postings in sensitive areas require stronger institutional safeguards, regular rotation and independent oversight.He suggested that the Ministry of Home Affairs could also consider asking Military Intelligence in Punjab to prepare an independent report concerning alleged irregularities in drug recoveries involving police personnel posted in the border districts.
Need for Transparent Investigation
The latest development has once again placed the spotlight on the integrity of Punjab’s anti-drug operations. The recovery of heroin and illegal weapons from a serving police officer, if established through the legal process, would raise significant questions about internal accountability and departmental supervision.The immediate priority should be a transparent investigation, preservation of evidence, identification of the source and intended destination of the recovered contraband and weapons, and determination of whether any other persons were involved.At a time when Punjab continues to fight a serious drug problem, allegations of police personnel becoming involved in narcotics-related activities can further undermine public confidence in enforcement agencies.The case therefore warrants close scrutiny not only of the arrested Inspector but also of the wider circumstances surrounding the alleged recovery, including the chain of command, posting history, investigative procedures and any possible involvement of other individuals.